90 per cent of godmen are fake: Kerala minister

Thiruvananthapuram, May 15 (IANS) Kerala Minister for Devaswoms (temples) G. Sudhakaran Thursday said that 90 percent of swamis (godmen) are fake. “They have become a menace and do all sorts of things. Without doubt most of them are fakes. They should be first made to wear proper clothes and then they should be sent to jail,” said Sudhakaran to reporters on the sidelines of a function near Thiruvalla.

He made this comment when the media asked him for his opinion on the arrest of controversial Kerala godman Swami Amritananthachaithanya alias Santhosh Madhavan Tuesday. The godman is charged with three offences, including rape of a teenager at Kochi.

Media reports indicate that Madhavan, who is in police custody, has revealed his close links with people from different walks of life, including a former minister, leading politicians from several parties, film stars, besides top police officials.

Reports also indicate another godman, Sri Bhadranandaji, is under police scrutiny.

On his website, the godman claims to have predicted a lot of recent political as well as natural calamities.

He also claims that he has given advice to Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala and several others and they have hugely benefited.